Florida Vacation, Part 2

We returned from New Smyrna Beach, FL yesterday evening. This is a vacation that my family takes every year; there are almost 60 of us that go together. On my dad's side of the family, it's my grandmother, one of her sisters and their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. It's a wonderful tradition that we all love. I already told you in a previous post about the side trip Ryan, Lily and I took to Disney World, but this is to tell you about the rest of the trip. I've also posted some pictures from this part of the trip.

We spent a lot of time at the pool this year. Lily wasn't too excited about the beach. There were a lot of shells on it, and I think it hurt her feet. However, she LOVED the pool. She had such a great time when Ryan would throw her high in the air and catch her. She would say "more" and raise her arms up as high as she could to ask him to do it again. She also enjoyed playing with her little bucket and shovel in the water. While we were inside, she would often say "pool" because she wanted to go play in it again. Unfortunately, it rained almost every afternoon so we didn't get to stay outside as much as wanted, but we had a great time regardless.

On our last day, we gathered all the great-grandkids who were on the trip together and took a picture of them with Meme and Doris. It's so cool to see this picture change each year as new children arrive and the other children grow up.

Not too surprising, two of my favorite traditions of the week revolve around food. One morning, Meme and her three boys will make a delicious breakfast for her family...biscuits, gravy, fruit, eggs, grits, bacon, sausage...the works! On another afternoon, Meme (with a little help from her boys again) makes a huge hot dog lunch for all of us down there. I believe she said she made just over 100 hot dogs this year! She cooks them in the oven and then toasts the buns in a big skillet. I don't know why this makes them so good, but you cannot find a better hot dog anywhere. I mean that...anywhere. I honestly think hot dog day is my 4th favorite day of the year (following Thanksgiving, Christmas and my birthday). Delicious!

We were also able to visit with Grandpa Hooks and Lois over in Lakeland. It is always a treat to spend time with them. I think they loved seeing Lily and how much she has grown. Lois gave Lily a little mirrored jewelry box to play with and take home. The rest of the trip, when we would say "did you visit with Great-Grandpa and Lois?" she would reply "box!" because she loves it so much! What a great visit.

One of my favorite things about this week is that Lily started to call Ryan and me "Daddy" and "Mommy" instead of "Da Da" and "Ma Ma." She doesn't do it every time, but she has started saying that a lot more, and to be honest, it's absolutely adorable! I love to hear her sweet little voice say "Daddy" or "Mommy!" It's awesome!

This was another wonderful vacation, and I look forward to many more years of this great tradition!